PROVIDENCE (November 25 2006) – World cruiserweight contender Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey closes out an outstanding 2006 on December 1 with in an eight-round co-feature on “Jingle Bell Pop” against veteran Lloyd “Jabba” Bryan at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence..
Godfrey has quickly ascended from prospect to contender, winning all three of his fights in 2006, including a pair of regional title belts (NABA & WBC Continental Americas) to go along with the USNBC championship he captured in 2005.
With only 13 pro bouts in his young career, the 25-year-old Godfrey is already rated No. 7 by the World Boxing Council, as well as No. 12 and No. 15, respectively, by the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation.
“So far this year I’ve been blessed to win two titles to go with the one I had and go 12 rounds for the first time to get used the championship rounds,” Godfrey said. “I was put in with two veterans, Ernest Mateen (TKO2) and Danny Batchelder (WUDEC12), and an undefeated up-and-comer, Shaun George (WTKO1). I had a mix of everything. I learned how to beat veterans and a hungry, undefeated fighter. Numbers (ratings) don’t mean too much to me right now because I haven’t beaten a top-10 fighter, yet. I look at it (ratings) as an opportunity to get in against better fighters next year. I do believe I deserve to be where I’m at in the ratings.
“Hopefully, early next year I’ll fight for the NABF title, (Godfrey is the No. 1 contender for the NABF crown held by Vadim Tokarev), inch my way up the ratings and in 12-14 months get a chance to fight for the world title. I’m No. 7 in the WBC and I can move up pretty fast next year if I stay busy. If I keep winning, hopefully, I’ll get a shot at the winner of Bell-Hoye (for the WBC title).”
Godfrey’s 194-23 amateur record included six national championships, four open tournaments including the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships, plus two in the Junior Olympics. He was a Bronze medal winner at the 2001 Pan-American Games, Silver medallist in all four of the 2004 national major tournaments – National Golden Gloves, PAL (Police Athletic League), U.S. Championships and U.S. Challenge — and six-time New England Golden Gloves champion.
The second heavyweight alternate on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, Matt decided to turn pro on May 14 2004.
Over the years as an amateur, Godfrey defeated many boxers who are outstanding professional fighters today, such as Randy “The Gentleman” Griffin (24-1-2, 12 KOs), Lenord “Haitian Sensation” Pierre (18-3, 13 KOs), Devin Vargas (11-0, 5 KOs), Chazz “Mensa With Muscles” Witherspoon (15-0, 9 KOs), Corey “Black Ice” Cummings (15-2, 12 KOs) and John Johnson (12-1, 10 KOs)
“It’s been a spectacular year for Matt,” Godfrey’s trainer Bret Hallenbeck added. “It seemed like a sleeper year for us but he fought the right people at the right time and got respect. There’s no reward without risk. We plan to have five more fights in 2007 and, of he has 18 or 19, we think he’ll get a world title shot by the end of next year or early 2008. Not that we wouldn’t take a title shot right now. Everything’s on track.”
For more information about Matt Godfrey visit his web site at www.mattgodfreyboxing.com or his promoter’s at www.cesboxing.com.
Tickets for “Jingle Bell Pop,” promoted by Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc. are now on sale at the Rhode Island Convention Center (860.249.6000) or by going on line at www.cesboxing.com.
Ticket prices are $20.00 (students), $30.00 (general admission), $55.00 (Silver VIP), $100.00 (Gold VIP) and $150.00 (limited Jimmy’s Platinum Club). Special group rates are available. For more information call CES (401.724.2253/2254 or go to www.cesboxing.com), Rhode Island Convention Center (401.458.6000), 401 Gym (401.261.9800/3436) and Manfredo’s Gym (401.723.1354). Doors open at 6 PM, first bout at 6:30 PM.